I was urged by some friends to spend some days at the village of Kalavasos, so here I am today out in the streets walking and getting acquainted with the place.

It is about 40 km south-west of Larnaca, built upon the west bank of the Vasilikos river. The existence of a Turkish mosque reveals that there were Turks living in the village so as I am walking I ask a lady I come across about the mosque. She tells me that there was a minority of Turkish people living in Kalavasos in the past but in 1967 they deserted the village and moved to the neighbouring village of Mari. The mosque was constructed at the end of the 19th century

The Church is just opposite my hotel and when I go in I find many children ready to start their Monday school. When their catechist - a very young lady sees my camera urges me not to take photos of the children. I agree to that but tell her that I will take a photo of the children from a distance.

I walk pass the mosque and I take the road leading to the upper neighbourhood. There are some hanging pendants in different gardens which give a pleasing sound to my ears as the air blows.

The valley below surrounded by beautiful slopes and mountains is so beautiful and as I come to the edge of the village I believe that at any moment now I will come across the dam. In a distance I can see the village of Zygi and the sea.

I like talking to people while on the road and I get into people's gardens if I see them out there. This time I see a lady and her grandchild and we start chatting. She is asking me if I like the village and she says that it is very popular with tourists because they come to see the ruins at Choirokoitia and the dam. She tells me that the valley was originally a miners’ village and that I have to find a way to visit the old mine before leaving

. She would love to take me she says but I told her that I will find a way to go there for sure.

The old village roads and most of the traditional houses are still made of the authentic mountain brick and stone construction, and the village is really well looked after and very clean thanks to the interest shown by the whole community. There are some very narrow cobble-stone lanes full of flower pots that a few ladies in the neighbourhood look after. In one such I am attacked by some little doggies which suddenly appeared out of nowhere. I shivered with fear seeing that it was not only the dogs around my feet but there were a couple of dogs on the roofs of the houses as well. Knowing that I should stay cold blooded I started talking to them….but the truth is that I was indeed scared!

As I approach the central square I hear men’s voices and the sound of dice coming from the backgammon boards. It is a warm and beautiful sunny day and there are groups of friends sitting here and there, others enjoying their coffee while others are talking and teasing each other. A happy atmosphere under the bright sun in February.